Tag: How To

Make no mistakes, our feline friends are seriously smart. That’s why giving them little puzzles could improve their well-being, according to science.

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You could say that the average house cat has a pretty darn easy life. They get to snooze all day long, wake up, and have us feed them whatever treats they may fancy. It really doesn’t get more luxurious than that. While most of us think we’re doing right on behalf of our pet, some research suggests that they need more of a challenge. Here’s why:

This story starts way back with our cat’s ancestor; the African wildcat. Before felines were domesticated, there would be only one way to get food and sustenance — they had to work for it. Whether that meant hunting or, indeed, foraging, it didn’t matter. What mattered was that these intelligent animals had the natural instinct to get out there and work hard until they had the food that they needed.

Flash-forward to the modern day, and our house cats are not so dissimilar to those ancient creatures. While we may feed them on command each and every day, there may be a better way to help them. Yes, according to a recent study published in SAGE, giving your kitty a food puzzle instead may be the best thing you can do for their well-being.

House Cats Need Puzzles

This study is particularly relevant to house cats that never leave the home environment. Being alone all day long and then simply getting fed when they need it can get a little tiresome. Since cats are, at the core, very smart creatures, they need to be challenged in some way. Of course, one of the easiest ways you can do that is by investing in a puzzle of some sort. The very best games are the ones where cats need to work for their food. In a small way, these simulate what it is like to be out in the wild, seeking food.

How Food Puzzles Help

As part of the study, the researchers looked at a whole range of different cases in which cats began using puzzles. There were a great many examples of times when these little games helped kitties to overcome behavioral problems and health ones too. For example, there was the case of a two-year-old cat who was previously scared of humans, but became more willing to accept them after playing the games. There was also the case of a three-year-old cat with aggression problems, who had a rapid personality change after starting the puzzles.

Types of Puzzles

So, what types of cat puzzles should you get? Well, luckily, there are a whole load of different kinds on the market. Without a doubt, the best styles of puzzle are the ones which reward the cat by giving them some form of food at the end of it. This plays into the feline’s basic instinct. They complete a task and they get a reward. This is how things work in the wild, and so it simulates the same process. It really is that simple!

It’s never nice to see stray cats on the street and many wonder how to help homeless cats. Luckily, we have all the answers you could need here.

Adriano Makoto Suzuki / Flickr

When you notice a stray cat living in your area, it can be quite a worry. The truth of the matter is that most of us simply don’t know how to help homeless cats and so we do nothing at all. There’s one major problem with that — these felines need us more than we know. If you’ve noticed a kitty near you, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about caring for a poor old kitty who has been abandoned.

Why should you consider how to help homeless cats?

There’s nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a poor, homeless kitty walking the streets. If you happen to live in an area where there are loads of stray cats, you may very much want to help. Luckily, there are loads of ways in which you can improve the lives of these animals, but why should you?

Well, aside from the obvious reason that cats are adorable, they serve a purpose in communities. It’s actually homeless cats that tend to help keep things like rats and mice under wraps. In urban areas, these rodents can turn out to be a real problem in no time at all. Before you know it, they take over a place and start to spread bacteria and, ultimately, diseases too. If you want to avoid just that problem, we have the answer.

Stray cats are an economical, not to mention eco friendly, solution to just this problem. If you keep these kitties happy and healthy, they will help you keep those nasty little rodents at bay in no time at all. This simple trick means that the streets will be cleaner than ever and these lovely kitties will have a better quality of life too. Bonus!

Put out a ‘found cat’ advert

Of course, what looks like a stray or homeless cat may well be someone’s beloved pet that they desperately want back. That’s why the very first thing you need to do is put an advert out there to say that you’ve found this moggy. You could easily put up posters in the area with a picture of the cat on them and your contact details. You may also wish to post an advert on the likes of Gumtree or even Craigslist to let people know you’ve found this cat.

If there’s one thing that’s for sure, the owners of the missing cat will be checking the area and online forums. If you let them know that you have the cat, they will be extremely happy that their kitty is safe and well. Of course, this tip works both ways. You should also check the internet to see if there are any adverts about a ‘missing cat’ in your area too.

Call a nearby cat shelter for help

If it appears that a very young (or old!) cat has been abandoned and cannot survive alone, you need to take action sooner rather than later. Call a local cat shelter and see what help and advice they can offer you. Often, they will have some rather excellent tips about how to help homeless cats.You may even find that they give you some help in rehoming the cat as well. That means that the stray kitten might find a loving family to take care of them!

How to help homeless cats in the winter

Needless to say, when the temperature drops, it can be particularly hard to help stray cats. Homeless kitties really do suffer through these months and it can be hard to know where to start. If you are able to provide some form of shelter for these cats, do so. One of the greatest things you can do is put together a makeshift cat home so that they have a place where they can hide away from the cold weather.

You could also give the cats access to food and water. Allowing these kitties to come into your home, warm up, and get some food and water is an utterly sweet thing to do. It’s these small gestures that really help homeless cats and ensure that they survive the hardest of months.

Try to find the cat a home yourself

If all else fails, there’s only one course of action you can take. Finding the kitty a home yourself is one of the kindest things you can do for it. In the meantime, you will need to look after the feline in your own home. It’s likely worth taking them to the vets and getting them checked over too. After all, you have no idea how long this cat has been homeless or what kind of lifestyle they have been leading. They may well have illnesses, fleas, or other health related issues that you will need to deal with.

Once you’ve done that, you can advertise the cat ‘free to a good home’. Be sure to meet the people who answer your advert before you choose to hand over the kitty. The most important thing here is that the feline finds a nice, safe home where they will be looked after seriously well. You should go to great lengths in finding the cat a suitable place to live with people that will really care for it.

As cute and adorable as cats are, felines can often be very naughty at times. If your pet needs discipline, here’s how to tell your cat no.

Michael Carian / Flickr

Let’s not beat around the bush here. Cats don’t like authority figures. They are ‘free spirits’ and they basically do whatever they want, when they want. Every cat owner knows the struggle of trying to get their kitty to listen to them. The problem is that often cats just don’t want to hear us when we tell them what to do. Luckily, we have all the details right here, right now. Here’s how to tell your cat no and actually make sure that they do as you say.

Use the command with a movement

Spoiler: Cats don’t understand English. I know that may come as a shock, but it’s a cold, hard fact. Saying the word ‘no’ over and over to your cat is not likely to make much difference to their behavior. The sooner you learn that, the better. You’re likely to have much more luck if you pair the command with a movement that you use each time.

Despite what you may have heard before now, cats can be trained. It will take a little time on your part, though, and so you need to prepare yourself for just that. Choose a movement that your cat can easily recognize such as a sharp wave or the like. When your kitty does something that you don’t like, use the command and movement together. It will take some time, but your pet will soon understand what you mean.

Move your cat away from the problem

What is your cat doing that’s wrong? If they are ruining something, like the sofa, you should pair your command with this action. You need to move them away from whatever the problem is. When it comes to how to tell your cat no, this is one of the most effective methods you can use. By carefully moving your kitty away from whatever they are doing, you will show them that they are in the wrong.

You will need some patience if you hope that this will work. You will basically need to keep repeating the same old action time and time again until your pet starts to understand what you don’t want them to do. Every single time that you see your cat head toward the object, get to them first. Pick them up and move them to another place in the room. It may be repetitive, but it’s the best way animals learn.

Try the spray gun tactic

The following tactic is somewhat controversial and whether you sue it is entirely up to you. If you wonder how to tell your cat no and teach them not to do something, here’s an easy option. For this one, you will need to get a spray gun and fill it up with water. Whenever you notice that your cat is doing something bad, you should tell them no and give them a little spray of water.

Now, this may seem cruel, but it’s not as terrible as it sounds. You see, the water does not hurt your cat at all, but they won’t like it. That means that when you spray them, they will stop what they are doing. If you use this tactic sparingly, you should find that your cat becomes conditioned and knows that whatever they are doing is wrong.

Clap your hands or hiss like a cat

In the wild, cats respond to sounds and loud noises. They don’t respond to voices. For that reason, when you’re thinking about how to tell your cat no, you might want to try clapping or hissing. These sounds act as warnings for your cats. When you start doing this, you will find that your kitty responds right away. That’s the good news.

The bad news is that it’s not exactly fun having to hiss at your cat all the time. No one wants to do that. For that reason, when you’re deciding how to tell your cat no, it may be worth considering some of the above options instead. As you can see, there are a load of ways you can get the job done so figure out what works for you.

Hint: Don’t bother shouting!

Finally, there’s one cardinal rule that you must never break! Don’t shout at your cat. For one thing, your kitty is unlikely to respond to this method. They won’t understand the so-called ‘angry’ tone of your voice. Plus, if you happen to shout louder and louder, you are just likely to scare them. That’s the very last thing you want or need. No matter how annoyed you are, try to avoid this at all costs.

We’re all totally obsessed with our kitty cats, but do you know how to show love to your cat? Luckily, we’ve got all the answers you could need.

Sheila Sund / Flickr

Cats truly are the greatest pets ever. Whether they’re snoozing cutely in the corner or just being adorable as they play with some ribbon, there’s so many reasons to adore them. Still, do you honestly know how to show love to your cat? If you don’t have a clue, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got just a few handy tips that will help you tell your special pet that they mean the absolute world to you. Enjoy!

Give them the perfect cuddle

You may not have given it much thought before now, but there is actually a ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ way to pet your kitty. If you’re thinking about how to show love to your cat, you need to make sure that you get this tiny thing right. Don’t just go ahead and start rubbing your cat; they may not like it and you could upset them by doing so. No, instead, you need to be sensitive about what your cat does and does not like.

One type of cuddle that pretty much every kitty is certain to enjoy is the ‘head to tail’ stroke. It’s just what it says on the tin. You need to stroke your cat firmly and with confidence, starting at the head and ending just before you reach their tail. You should notice that your cat or kitten starts to purr when you give them this affection. The reason is oh-so-simple. They love it!

Head-butt them (no, really!)

Have you ever noticed that your cat head-butts you now and then? Don’t be alarmed! This is actually one of the many ways that a cat will show their love for you. If you want to return the favor, you quite literally can. Sure, it may feel weird rubbing your head on your cat, but this is what their parents will have done when they were younger. For that reason, your kitty is certain to find this action endearing and sweet. Trust us, it really will work!

Of course, there are a few things that you need to remember when it comes to this action. Firstly, you don’t want to be too firm or hard with your cat. Instead, you should make sure that you start out soft, giving them just a tap with your head. You should also pay close attention to how they react. If your cat seems upset or disturbed by this action, stop right away. You don’t want them to feel that you are intruding on their space.

Give them a few treats

There’s no doubt about it… Cats adore having delicious treats. Whether you have special biscuits that you give your pet or even some catnip, there are just so many ways in which you can show them how very much you care. Giving them something extra, aside from their daily food, will make them happy and is something that they are just sure to enjoy!

Still, if you tend to give your cat treats to show them how much you love them, you need to make sure that you don’t make the mistake of overdoing it. All cat lovers want their pets to be happy, but that does not mean that you should give them treats all of the time. Doing so could actually hinder their health or make them fat. Yikes! Be certain to limit the treats that you give your cat so that you don’t have this issue.

Nap with your cat

Finally, if there’s one thing that cats love above everything else it has to be a good old fashioned nap. After all, what could be better than relaxing the hours away? Nothing! When you catch your kitty snoozing away (which is basically all of the time anyway!), why not curl up next to them? This closeness will show them that you really care and, importantly, that you are on the same level as them in terms of social status. When you’re thinking of how to show love to your cat, this has to be at the top of your list.

What’s more, there’s no better way to unwind than to have a literal cat nap with your favorite pet! The next time that you get a chance to have a cheeky little sleep next to your kitty, make sure that you don’t pass it up! Getting closer to your cat and enjoying some real quality time with them is a great way to show them that you appreciate just how very cute they are. Adorable!

If your cat’s a little on the heavy side, you may well worry about their health. Cat obesity is a huge problem! Here’s everything you need to know.

Dan Perry / Flickr

You may not realize it, but cat obesity has been a growing problem for many years. Back in 2011, the APOP (Association for Pet Obesity Prevention) conducted a study in which they found that a whopping 50% of domestic cats were either overweight or obese. The sorry truth of the matter is that many pet owners don’t know whether their cat is at a healthy weight or not. They just assume that their kitty is healthy and don’t bother to investigate any further than that.

In reality, a combination of overfeeding your cat and them failing to exercise as much as they should could mean that they are overweight. This doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual condition that tends to develop over time. That’s why you may not recognize it immediately. Since your cat will become heavier little by little, there won’t be an obvious or even dramatic change.

When is a cat actually ‘obese’?

Many people struggle with cat obesity because they don’t know where the actual line is. Luckily, there’s a Body Condition Score (BCS) that you can use to determine whether your cat is at a healthy weight or not. The table takes into consideration things like whether you can see your cat’s ribs, their muscle tone, and their general weight.

As you may imagine, there are many different things that contribute to your kitty’s general health. It’s worth taking the time to look at the scale and understand it. Of course, if you worry that your cat is obese, it’s probably best to take them to the vets. They will be able to do a full consultation with your pet and let you know what you have to do next.

Health issues related to cat obesity

As you may well imagine, there are a whole load of health concerns related to cat obesity. When your pet is carrying too much weight, they can quickly become ill in all manner of ways. That’s why you absolutely need to make sure that you look after your cat well and take care of their weight too. Here are some of the issues that your cat may suffer from:

Joint pain and stress

Tiredness

Diabetes Mellitus

Low energy

Breathing problems

Of course, all of the above are just the start of your cat’s issues when they have excess weight. The more weight that they gain over time, the more likely they are to be stricken with some type of illness. For that reason, you 100% have to do something about this issue as soon as you notice it!

How to treat the problem

So, if you have identified that your pet is suffering from cat obesity, what on earth should you do? Well, the first step is to take them to the vet and get an expert’s opinion. Your specialist will be able to tell you what you need to do next. In the meantime, there are a few ways that you can pinpoint and help to solve the problem. Here are some of the things you could try for yourself:

Monitor your cat’s food

Of course, the crux of this issue is the fact that your cat is eating more than they need to be. So, what you should do is monitor how much your cat eats on a daily basis. Rather than simply feeding your cat in a haphazard way, check out how much they need. Feeding them small servings at regular intervals is the best way forward.

Avoid treating your cat too much

If your kitty has a penchant for treats, you might find yourself giving them to them more and more. Do you ever think about the health impact that this has? It’s a major cause of cat obesity and it needs to stop. Try to keep treats to a minimum and only give small portions.

Play with your cat!

This one should be obvious and yet so many people overlook it all the time. What your kitty needs the most right now is some exercise. If you have a house cat, be sure to play games with them. Make them chase balls and lasers. That way, they will use some of their energy on a day to day basis.

Opt for quality cat food

Many mainstream cat food brands fill their products with rubbish. That means that your cat could put on weight even if they only eat a little. The best thing you can do is research the various brand before you opt for one.

If you follow the above advice, you should find that the weight starts to drop off your cat in no time at all. Genius! Even so, getting professional advice to boot is sure to help so go ahead and visit the vets too.

Every pet lover wants to make sure that their kitty to have the best diet and lifestyle. Let’s look at how you can get the best healthy dry cat food.

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If you’re a cat owner, there are a whole load of duties you have to take care of. It’s your job to make sure that your kitty stays safe and is as healthy as possible. Of course, it will come as no great shock that your cat’s diet has a grand impact on their health and well-being. If you want to be sure that they have all the nutrients and vitamins that they need, you should be sure to get them healthy dry cat food each and every time you shop.

The sorry truth of the matter is that this is something that a whole load of cat owners overlook. They get used to buying the same old brand time and time again. Whether it’s because of the decent price tag or just brand familiarity, few people are willing to make a change. If that sounds like you, it’s time for a serious wake-up call right now.

Choosing a healthy dry cat food is one of the smartest things that you can do for your pet. When you go above and beyond to make sure that they are eating the very best products on the market, this will reflect in their health. So, where on earth should you start? Well, luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Here is just about everything you could need to know about choosing the right product for your cat.

Can dry cat food really be healthy?

First of all, let’s talk about one of the real issues that people tend to have with dry cat food. Many people question whether this stuff is healthy at all. After all, cats need a mixture of things in their diet to be as fit as possible. Simply giving them dry biscuits all the time does not seem like a viable way to give them what they need.

While the above is true, you need to understand that it’s all about moderation. Feeding your kitty both healthy dry cat food and some meat now and then is certain to keep them healthy and active. Just like us, these animals need a varied diet to get everything that they need. If they fail to get that, they will become tired and even unwell.

So, what should you do? Well, here are a few rules that will help you ensure that your kitty gets everything that they need on a daily basis:

Make sure that they have clean water each day

Feed them a diet of healthy dry cat food

Mix things up with some fresh cooked meat

Include wet food now and then for variety

As you can see from the rules above, it’s all about variation. The wider the array of food you give your cat, the healthier they will be. If you simply remember that golden rule, you should have no problem when it comes to looking after your pet.

Warning: Ingredients you need to avoid!

Of course, choosing healthy dry cat food when there are just so many options out there is anything but easy. One of the easiest things that you can do is look for ingredients that you will need to avoid if at all possible. If the following things appear in the top five (five largest quantities, that is!) ingredients of a cat food, it’s not the brand for you or your cat:

Rye

Although many pet food brands include rye as standard, most cats find this substance tricky to digest. Avoid it if you can.

Potatoes

Potatoes are very glycemic, which means that they will make your cat’s blood sugar levels surge. This is not healthy for cats at all.

Soy-based proteins

While these may sound healthy, they don’t sit too well with cats’ digestive systems. Some brands contain high levels of soy, and so you ought to avoid them.

Wheat or rice

Food producers often use grains, such as rice or wheat, to bulk out their products. The problems is that, unlike humans, cats tend to have trouble digesting these things.

Corn-based products

Similarly to grains, corn is just no good for your kitty at all. You should avoid foods which have high levels of corn in them whenever possible.

If you avoid the above ingredients, you should find healthy dry cat food, rather than an inferior product. Remember, the more attention you pay to the ingredients breakdown, the better it will be for your cat. On the flipside, you need to make sure that you look out for foods which are high in protein and meat. These foods may be a little more costly than average products, but they are worth the money.

Look out for specialist brands

Finally, when you’re searching for the right brand for you, there’s one thing that you absolutely need to keep in mind. You will want to avoid buying your cat food from large suppliers who make an array of other products for both animals and humans. Instead, look for a manufacturer that specializes in healthy dry cat food. There are actually many smaller retailers out there that have emphasis on cat health. They are the brands you should trust. Good luck and happy shopping!

Your garden might be your pride and joy, but your kitties don’t respect it the way that you do! We reveal how to keep cats out of flower beds.

panli54 / Flickr

If you’re a keen gardener, you will love nothing more than spending hours at a time perfecting your yard space. But wait just a minute! If you’re also a cat lover, you may find that you have something of a problem. You see, kitties love nothing more than exploring the yard and they could easily mess up your flowers. Once you learn how to keep cats out of flower beds, though, you will never have that problem again. Hurrah!

Since summer is just around the corner, you’re likely already sprucing up your yard and making it look its best. It would be a shame to think that all that hard work will go to waste. While our lovely feline friends may not mean to be pests, they can sometimes get into the wrong places! Ensuring that you keep both your flowers and your kitty safe should be your top priority. Here’s what you need to know.

Remember: Cats love to explore!

First of all, let’s talk about why your cat will likely want to explore your flower beds. The answer is actually pretty simple. These animals are wild and territorial. That basically means that they love nothing more than to explore. Left alone, they will happily trample their way through all your plants and ruin them in seconds. That’s the last thing you want or need. Of course, there are a few things that you can do which will help you along the way. It’s actually much easier than you might think!

Get a commercial cat repellent

One of the first methods you might want to try when considering how to keep cats out of flower beds is repellent. Many pet owners fear the very sound of this solution purely because they think that it could hurt their cats. Nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, there are many repellents out there that are actually fine for your cats to be around. All they will essentially do is make your pet back off and avoid the area where you choose to spray them. Simple.

So, which repellents should you choose? Well, there are of course a whole load of options. One of the most popular is Shake-Away. The formula actually smells like the urine of predators, such as foxes and the like. When your kitty sniffs it, they will know that the space is not safe. From then on, you should notice that they start to avoid the flower bed more and more.

If you don’t want to go for a store-bought option, you could even use some essential oils to help you ward of your cat. There are some smells, such as citrus, coffee, and lavender that your cat will simply hate. Sprinkling just a little of this stuff on the plants will do them no harm whatsoever. However, you will likely find that your cat steers clear of the places you have put them. Nothing could actually be easier.

Use some handy chicken wire

If your cat walks on the flower bed time and time again, chicken wire might be a great solution to your woes. The reason is simple. It’s not nice for your kitty to walk on. If you lay it across the flower bed, you will find that you still have space for plants to sprout, but that the ground will have an uneven texture. Yes, your kitty might want to walk on the area at first, but once they feel how uncomfortable it is, they won’t be going back anytime soon.

When people first consider how to keep cats out of flower beds, this doesn’t always come to mind. There are many pros to it, though. For one thing, it’s relatively cheap to do and you only have to buy the chicken wire once. The other major reason is that the wire is not harmful to your cat but will keep them away. Give it a go yourself.

Include marigolds in your yard

You’ve likely heard the rumour that cats don’t like the smell of marigolds before now. Now, we’re not going to go into whether this is mere myth or not. The truth of the matter is that some kitties can’t stand these pretty flowers. So, you may as well planet them. If for whatever reason, your cat hates the smell, they will stay away from the beds. Oh, and if it doesn’t work, at least these flowers looking striking and beautiful.

Train your cat to avoid the beds

Finally, here’s the method of how to keep cats out of flower beds that will take the most time and energy. Training your cats on where they can and cannot walk is the greatest way to ensure they don’t ruin the flowers. You can use both positive and negative reinforcement to help them steer clear of this area. For example, when they are on the beds themselves, you have to tell them ‘no’ and move them as soon as possible. When they avoid the area, give them treats and encouragement.

Unlike dogs, cats are notoriously hard to train in any way, shape or, form. However, if you’re willing to stick with this technique, you might just get some luck in the end. You will need to be extremely patient, though, and ensure that you don’t try to rush the process. Good luck!

When you’re cat’s acting up and lashing out it can be nothing short of a nightmare. If you’re unsure what to do, here’s how to stop your cat growling.

A Hindi / Flickr

Most of the time, our kitties are adorable bundles of joy. They cuddle, purr, and play the days are way. Then there are the other times. You know the times that I mean. When they decide that something has annoyed them and they want you to know they are mad AF. The times when they don’t care about anything other than making a loud growl of pure anger. It’s frustrating and you may have wondered how to stop your cat growling before now. Well, here’s what you need to know.

1. Understand why your cat is growling

Of course, the very first thing that you will want to do is figure out why on earth your pet is mad. Growling is, unsurprisingly, a sign that something is not quite right with your animal. That’s a worrying thought, to say the least. You shouldn’t just focus on the symptom here (i.e. the growling itself), but instead the cause (what’s making your kitty growl). It’s not an easy thing to figure out. Cats can’t tell us how they’re feeling, and so we need to do a little detective work along the way.

Consider whether you’ve made any changes to your home or lifestyle. Are you out of the house more than you once were? Have you changed the living room setup? These may seem like small things but they could easily affect your cat’s mood. The truth of the matter is that cats see the home space as their territory. Any changes to that area could easily threaten them and change their natural mood. You should keep that in mind when tackling this issue.

2. Keep note of when your cat growls

If you’re struggling to figure out what your cat growls, you should try this handy tips. Many vets suggest that you keep a diary or journal of your cat’s behavior. When your kitty starts to growl, make a note of what’s happening around them. You may, for example, realize that your cat only makes this noise at dinner time or when a certain person is in the room. That means that you can work on pinpointing the issue so that you can deal with it in the quickest and easiest possible way.

3. Try to comfort them and relax them

Of course, one of the main things you will want to do when your kitty starts to growl is comfort them. This is a natural reaction. When your pet growls, they are letting you (and everyone around them!) know that things are not right. They may feel threatened or anxious. They may need something from you but not be certain of how to express themselves.

Either way, giving them a little extra love, support, and attention is sure to be the best way forward. Make sure that you take things slow and are tentative with your kitty. Show them your hand before you cuddle them so that they know they are safe. That way, you don’t run the risk of them attacking you because they are scared. You may indeed find that this method helps they to chill out. Sometimes, all our pets need is a little support.

4. Separate your cats from one another

If there’s another cat in the room, this is a whole different situation. Much of the time, felines find it hard to socialize with other animals. The reason is simple; they are territorial and want to take charge of the space in which they live. When you have two cats battling it out for the number one spot, they are sure to growl, hiss, and even fight. Yikes! Here are a few things that you may well want to try:

Separate the two cats in two different rooms

Ensure that they have separate eating stations

Show both cats equal amounts of attention

Make sure that they each have their own litter tray

The point is that when you have two cats, you need to treat them as separate beings. When it comes to how to stop your cat growling, the answer should be simple. Kitties don’t like to share, and so you shouldn’t make them.

5. Check out your cat’s body language

If none of the above has worked, you need to check out your cat’s body language. Your kitty is quite clearly stressed out and you need to figure out why sooner rather than later. Look for other signs of aggression (such as an arched back, pinned back ears, and widened eyes!) so you can see how your cat is feeling.

If this behavior continues, you may find that the best thing will be to take your cat to the vet. They will know how to stop your cat growling and will help you every single step of the way. What’s more, they will be able to detect any underlying issue that could be causing discomfort for your pet.

Is your kitty crying out for attention all the time? It’s a little… annoying at the best of times, right? Here’s how to stop a cat meowing easily!

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Make no mistakes, all cats meow from time to time. It’s just what they do! Think of meowing as chatting; some kitties just love to do it more than others. Still, if your cat is crying 24/7, you honestly have to do something about it. Not only is this a tad irritating, but it could be a sign of a deeper problem. Here’s how to stop a cat meowing and begging for attention all the darn time.

Why do cats meow all the time?

You should remember that meowing is the only way that cats have to communicate with uss. For that reason, there are actually many different ways in which a cat will meow and different types of call they tend to use. Here are some of the most common reasons that cats tend to meow excessively:

Hunger

Yep, if your kitty needs food, they will find the perfect way to let you know about it. After all, they have to communicate this to you ASAP.

They want to mate

If your cat has yet to be spayed or neutered, they may have an urge to mate. Since there are no eligible animals around, this could make them cry out for some attention.

Illness

Aw! This one is just so very sad. When your cat is feeling sick or ill, they might let you know. If your cat excessively cries out, you may want to take them to the vets to get them checked out. There could be an underlying problem you just don’t know about.

Attention

Cats hate it when you don’t pay them attention. They can’t stand it. If your kitty has gotten used to having your attention at all times, you shouldn’t be surprised if they start to meow more and more when you’re busy.

Of course, one of the easiest ways when it comes to how to stop a cat meowing is to figure out what the cause is. If you can identify why your pet is so wound up, you can help them out. If not, though, you may just have to persevere and try some of the following tricks.

What you must NOT do!

First of all, let’s talk about what you simply must not do. You may have heard that ignoring your cat is the best way forward. After all, you don’t want to reward them when they cry out for no real reason, right? Well, as logical as that may be (oh, and it is!), it’s not always correct. You see, if your cat has a genuine problem, like an illness, ignoring them is a neglectful. You should always try to make sure that your kitty is content and healthy!

Another thing that you want to avoid is punishing your kitty. Don’t hit, shout at, or spray your cat with water. Doing so will make your cat distrust and hate you in the long run. Cats are not as good at learning as we imagine. Sadly, they will not learn to be quiet next time, but will remember that you punished them harshly.

How to stop a cat meowing

So, let’s address the main point; how to stop a cat meowing in a safe and easy way. There are a few little tricks that you may want to try before you do anything else. Here they are:

Give your cat the essentials!

Make sure that your kitty has water, food, and a clean litter box. These are the essentials that your pet needs, and so they should have them at all times. Ensuring that they have all of the above will mean that your cat has no reason to cry. If the crying and meowing persists after you’ve done so, try the next tip.

Work out when your cat cries

Okay, I’m guessing that your kitty does not cry all the time. At least, I’d hope not. (If so, see the next point!) So, that means that there are times when your kitty is quiet and content. Figure out when they are relaxed and when they meow for attention. For example, if your cat only meows when you are busy, you can be pretty sure that the reason is because they want attention. By figuring out what the issue is, you can make sure that you can solve it or train them out of it.

Take your cat to the vet!

Finally, if the meowing goes on and on, there’s only one thing that you should be doing; you need to take your cat to the vets! Crying and meowing may be a symptom of illness or other issues. If you get your vet to check over your cat, you should find that they have the answers. Easy!

If your kitty’s acting strange and distant, they could be seriously stressed out. Don’t panic! We look at how to treat cat anxiety quickly and easily!

Alleycat.pet

When your kitty suddenly changes their behavior, it should be easy enough to notice. Most cats have a specific set of characteristics. The moment that they start acting ‘odd’, there is likely a genuine reason for that change. Anxiety is extremely common, especially amongst house cats. There are many reasons that your feline friend may feel worried or stressed out. Once you’ve seen the signs, you absolutely have to take action sooner rather than later. Here we take a look at how to treat cat anxiety and what you have to do next.

Give them a high place to sleep

Cats feel safest when they are up high. If you find that your kitty is anxious, the reason is likely because they feel threatened in their home environment. Often, when you have more than one kitty, you may find that social reasons are to blame. If your cat is being bullied by the other cats in your home, that is a major problem. Giving your kitty somewhere high to sleep means that he or she will have some sanctuary away from the rest of the group. When people think about how to treat cat anxiety, this is one of the tips that they always seem to overlook. Most people don’t consider the fact that their cat just needs to feel safe!

Separate their food and toilet from your other pets

Again, if it’s a social issue your cat is dealing with, you should make sure that they have access to all that they need. Separating their food and litter tray from your other pets is the best way forward. This little trick means that your cat can get the food it needs and use the bathroom without being disturbed. When it comes down to it, your kitty just needs to be as relaxed as possible. By helping them have some space from the other cats (or indeed dogs!), you’re doing them a massive favor.

Be loving and kind to your kitty

Above all else, your cat really needs your love and support right now. When we talk about how to treat cat anxiety, this is one of the things that we all too often leave out. You need to be supportive of your cat. Now, that does not mean harassing them every chance you get. Instead, you have to let your cat come to you. You should make sure that you allow your cat the freedom to come sit with you. Make space for them when you’re on the sofa and make it clear that they are welcome. What’s more, you should avoid shouting at them or telling them off. When your kitty is acting sheepish, you need to make sure that you always use a calm, relaxed tone with them. Doing so will help them to unwind and avoid them fearing you among other things!

Try out some natural remedies

You might not realize it but there are actually some natural remedies that can help your cat recover from their anxiety. If you look for how to treat cat anxiety online, you should find that there are some oils you can use that may help you along the way. Pet stores also often stock drops that you can pop into your pet’s food to help with stress and anxiety. If you’ve noticed that your cat has been acting out of character for quite some time now, this may very well be the best option for you. All you need to do is add the solution to your pet’s food each day. Before you know it, your cat should be calmer and, therefore, happier too.

Consult with your vet

Finally, when nothing you do changes your cat’s behavior, you may have to get an expert’s opinion. Your vet has a wealth of experience when it comes to how to treat cat anxiety. Believe it or not, this is a problem they will have dealt with time and time again. Make sure that you note down your cat’s weird behavior on a day to day basis. That way, you will have an accurate log of everything that’s been going on. Your vet will want to assess the situation thoroughly. No matter what, you should follow their advice and listen to what they say. After all, they are experts in this particular field. Trust them and they will help!